Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Time for a new start

Hello Fellow Clydesters,

I guess I can call myself an uber Clyde...6'5", up to 385# :notamused:

Hard to believe that 4 years ago I was 250# and doing 200 miles a week. After losing my job to a back injury, I gradually grew depressed, packed my bike away, and ate and ate and ate.

I now have a good job and can't stand having to buy two airline seats to do the required travel or not being able to find dress clothes big enough or not even being able to run around with my daughter. It's time for a change!

I've been considering getting the lap band but I also wanted to get back into cycling. I've always been a clyde but I remember back to when I first started riding and how great it felt when I accomplished my goals; my first 10 miler, my first 25, first time I averaged over 20 mph, my first century, the first time I dropped people in club rides. I want that again.

I've started to look around for a bike to ride on the road as I doubt my Cervelo Soloist would hold me now. I'm thinking Trek or Kona. Any other ideas for around $1k?

Thanks for all the great posts and support!

B.Real

Baron Realization - Pulling Busch

B.Real, congratulations, and welcome aboard! You'll find many people here in similar plights, but with their eyes looking up, reaching and climbing towards their goal. You've taken a great first step--and its time to shop!

The Trek 7.3 seems to be very poppular. I have a Specialized Globe that can be had in various configurations for around $600 that would also be quite suitable. Giant, Kona, Jamis, Cannondale, etc., all make great bikes in that price range. That's the beauty of it--there are a lot of options available to guys/folks like us now under $1000. Take your time, hit the local bike shops (LBS'), and buy one that you like!

Then ride!

Get whatever you like. You should probably be more concerned about the wheels than anything else.

I would also look into other things before going for lap band surgery.

You are taking a great first step. Welcome aboard.

BR I can relate. 18 months ago I was about 90 lbs lighter and in great shape. I did two - two, biggest loser competitions at my gym last year. taking 2nd place in the first one and first place in the second. I was obsessed and in great shape. Since then I have suffered an achilles tear and a couple knee injuries that has taken my gym time from 6 days a week(sometimes 2xdays) to none! I am one that if I am not working out - My diet goes to s**t. Since buying my bike I have started counting my calories at least most days of the week. Unfortunately, or Fortunately I got a second opinion today both my knee issues and more important my achilles. This dr wants to take a more aggressive approach to my achilles - i was so ecstatic I got chills. I have scheduled surgery at his first opening. I have been battling achilles issues for over fives years. It has diminished my quality of life drastically. He also told me I am a biker - that should be my activity of choice for the remainder of my life!

I don't want to disrupt your post - But, I can relate at 6'4" and over 370. Biking and many of the ladies/gents here have been an inspiration. I will follow you to see how you progress. I will be experiencing a 6-8 week interruption due to achilles surgery on the 18th.

Ride on!

I would also look into other things before going for lap band surgery.

It's not a decision that I have entered into lightly and have tried numerous other things including medication. While I know it will be a major life changing decision that I will have to live with, I am comfortable with it.

BR I can relate. 18 months ago I was about 90 lbs lighter and in great shape. I did two - two, biggest loser competitions at my gym last year. taking 2nd place in the first one and first place in the second. I was obsessed and in great shape. Since then I have suffered an achilles tear and a couple knee injuries that has taken my gym time from 6 days a week(sometimes 2xdays) to none! I am one that if I am not working out - My diet goes to s**t. Since buying my bike I have started counting my calories at least most days of the week. Unfortunately, or Fortunately I got a second opinion today both my knee issues and more important my achilles. This dr wants to take a more aggressive approach to my achilles - i was so ecstatic I got chills. I have scheduled surgery at his first opening. I have been battling achilles issues for over fives years. It has diminished my quality of life drastically. He also told me I am a biker - that should be my activity of choice for the remainder of my life!

I don't want to disrupt your post - But, I can relate at 6'4" and over 370. Biking and many of the ladies/gents here have been an inspiration. I will follow you to see how you progress. I will be experiencing a 6-8 week interruption due to achilles surgery on the 18th.

Ride on!

Good luck with your surgery Basz and I too will be tracking your progress. How do you like your Trek FX?

I'd suggest a touring bike since it sounds like you're used to riding a road bike. Something like a Surly Long Haul Trucker or Jamis Aurora. You're in Washington State, you might also be able to get a Rocky Mountain Sherpa. Most touring bikes are relaxed road bike geometry (so you're not bent over as much as on a race bike), drop handlebars, and 36-spoke wheels designed to carry a lot of weight.

I believe cyclocross bikes are also equipped with stronger wheels, but I'm not sure.

I'd suggest a touring bike since it sounds like you're used to riding a road bike. Something like a Surly Long Haul Trucker or Jamis Aurora. You're in Washington State, you might also be able to get a Rocky Mountain Sherpa. Most touring bikes are relaxed road bike geometry (so you're not bent over as much as on a race bike), drop handlebars, and 36-spoke wheels designed to carry a lot of weight.

I believe cyclocross bikes are also equipped with stronger wheels, but I'm not sure.

Thanks for the recommendations Spudd. The LBS said I should get a Scott Speedster S30...I personally can't see me riding that and it holding up.

I've been looking at touring bikes, the Trek 520 especially but think I would have to get rid of the bar end shifters for regular brake shifters. I'll have to look at the Jamis and the RM Sherpa.

Welcome BR.

The Trek 520 is a great bike, but don't discount the Surly Long Haul Trucker. Most LHT's are sort of a build to suit deal and can be had for around $1200 gueyducs out of the door, and to your liking.

Bar ends aren't bad, but if you are used to STI's go for it.

B Real: Welcome. Check out the before and after thread. Many here have gone thru the journey you've set before yourself.

B.Real,I can relate to what you're going through. Twenty years ago I was in pretty good shape,practicing judo three days a week,plus working 50-60 hours a week. Now I have been on disability with my weight and heart disease. I have been told to get gastic bypass surgery,but I want to do something for myself. I know it will take will power and change of lifestyle. It will be tough and a long road,but I belive I can do it. Keep us posted,as I will do the same.

Well I finally pulled the trigger on a Surly LHT 62cm. Should be here in 7 days or so. Hopefully it fits.

I've put the lapband on hold as I'm have to do too much travelling this year. We'll get the bike in and put it on the Tacx Fortius and see how things go. Can't wait to start riding again!

Welcome and congrats twice. First for your change of lifestyle and, as well, for your new acquisition! The great thing about these Forums is that, whether you're cruising on one of your brightest days or mired down on one of your darkest, there is someone here who is either going through it with you or who already has. There's always someone here who can relate. Pretty awesome thing.

I would also look into other things before going for lap band surgery.

Second that - give diet and exercise a legit try.

>>>not even being able to run around with my daughter<<<

To me, this is one of the best motivators. Good luck to you and get out and ride. You'll feel better for it.

I would also look into other things before going for lap band surgery.

I third this. For the longest time I tried to lose weight and nothing stuck, and I became convinced that surgery was required. Luckily I have a huge phobia about that, so I never did.

Then last year I decided to finally do a LOT of research and find out the best way to eat (this is the key part of weight loss!) and supplement that with exercise. Ever since, the pounds have been falling off.

b.real: whatever bike you get, go get a 38 spike wheel. Solid!

I think you can do this without surgery (but what the hell do I know). I have some thoughts for you. Email me if you can at chefif@comcast.net

Thanks for the recommendations Spudd. The LBS said I should get a Scott Speedster S30...I personally can't see me riding that and it holding up.

I've been looking at touring bikes, the Trek 520 especially but think I would have to get rid of the bar end shifters for regular brake shifters. I'll have to look at the Jamis and the RM Sherpa.

REI's Novarra series has a couple of nice touring bikes you should consider.